UPDATED Ehren Kruger re-writes Scream 4

Production Wes Craven’s Scream 4 began earlier this week. Since then, we have heard many more actors signing on to star in the film, but we’ve also heard of two actresses dropping out. Lake Bell and Lauren Graham both dropped out due to “scheduling conflicts”, but it seems there may be more to it. And it seems to be true as the film has got a new writer attached, Ehren Kruger, who wrote Scream 3 and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

According to Zap2it, The Weinstein Company has hired Kruger to re-write the script while filming is going on. Oh, and Kevin Williamson has left the project all together. Whether or not the changes to the script resulted in Bell and Graham leaving remains unknown, but it may lead to the departure of another cast member, Hayden Panetierre. The actress signed on because she found her character to strong, but is now “dumbed down significantly”.

Unfortunately, Wes Craven, who is directing and producing the film, does not have control over the script. The first two films, written by Kevin Williamson, have been praised by the critcs and fans alike. However, Scream 3 wasn’t. Scream 4 is currently shooting in Michigan.

Update: Shock Til You Drop is reporting that Kevin Williamson is still attached to the film, but is working hard on the second season of Vampire Diaries for the CW. Kruger was hired to assist. Lauren Graham’s departure had nothing to do with Ehren Kruger, and had scheduling conflicts with her work on Parenthood.

Scream 4 will be released on April 15, 2011.